Salty
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
Insight
Have you ever stopped to consider the impact you are making on the world around you? It's a sobering thought, isn't it? Every day, whether we realize it or not, we are influencing someone, somewhere. Our words, actions, and attitudes are constantly shaping the lives of those around us. The question is: Where are we leading them?
Jesus, in His famous Sermon on the Mount, uses two powerful metaphors to describe the role of His followers in the world: salt and light. These images carry a profound message about our purpose and potential.
Let's start with salt. In Jesus' time, it was a preservative, a purifier, and a flavor enhancer. When Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth," He is saying we have the power to preserve what is good, purify what is corrupt, and bring out the best in the world around us. But here's the kicker: salt is only effective when it is in contact with what it is meant to season. You can't influence from a distance.
Now, about that light. Jesus says we are the "light of the world." Think about it - light doesn't exist for itself. Its whole purpose is to illuminate, to reveal, to guide. When you flip on a light switch, you are not admiring the bulb; you are using its glow to see everything else more clearly. That's our job as followers of Christ - to shine in such a way that others can see God more clearly.
Jesus warns us about salt losing its saltiness and light being hidden under a bowl. It is a stark reminder that we can become ineffective, even useless, if we don't live out our purpose. So, what does this mean for us today? It means we have a choice to make. We can blend in, keep our faith private, and avoid rocking the boat. Or we can embrace our role as influencers for God's kingdom.
Being salt and light isn't about being perfect. It is about being present and purposeful. It's about recognizing that God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason. Look around. Who are the people in your life who need a taste of God's grace? Who's stumbling in the dark, needing the light of hope?
Reaching people isn't a passive activity. It requires intentionality and often, stepping out of our comfort zones. But the impact can be eternal. So, let me ask you: If the people around you followed your lead, where would they end up? Would they be drawn closer to God or pushed further away? It's a challenging question, but an important one to consider.
As you go about your day, remember this: You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Not because of anything you have done, but because of who God says you are. Don't hide that light. Don't lose your saltiness. Instead, let your life shine in such a way that others see your good deeds and are drawn to the God who transforms hearts. Your influence matters more than you know. So go ahead, season generously, and shine brightly. The world needs what you have to offer.
Reflection
If someone were to follow your example in how you live your life, where would they end up spiritually, emotionally, and relationally?
How can you be more intentional about "leading" in your family, workplace, or community?
Further Practice
Take some time to consider, “Salt must make contact to make a difference.” Make a list of the people within your sphere of influence (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). What would it look like for you to move into their world and take the influence you’ve been given seriously?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to be salt and light in this world. Help us to recognize the influence You've given us and to use it wisely. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, to engage with those around us, and to shine Your light brightly in every aspect of our lives. May our words and actions always point others toward You. Amen.
This Sunday, July 14th, our church will practice a Sabbath Sunday. On this day, our church does not gather at any of our campuses, but instead we encourage each other to take time to intentionally stop, rest, and delight! We’ve created a Sabbath Preparation Guide to help you plan for this rhythm of rest, including specific ideas for families. We also have a Devotional Experience if you’d like additional content for your day. To find our resources for this Sabbath Sunday, you can head to www.portcity.church/summer. We look forward to seeing you at one of our gatherings the following Sunday, July 21st.